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Privateers’ invasion meets stormy seas

The Privateer’s Ron “Candy Man” Fisher takes a stand in the center of the final battle at the Bradenton Beach Bridge Street-Gulf Drive roundabout, where Anna Maria Island Privateers and Hernando de Soto Conquistadors battled using swords, cannons and sound effects. Islander Photos: Jennifer Glenfield

Anna Maria Island Privateers and the Hernando de Soto Conquistador crews come face to face at the old Anna Maria Post Office Plaza on Gulf Drive in Anna Maria during the Nov. 2 skirmish that started in Anna Maria and ended at the Pirate Invasion festival at Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach — all organized by the Privateers. Pirate crews battled using sound effects and controlled explosives.

At the final battle site, the Bridge Street roundabout, a 20-minute battle took place between the Hernando de Soto crew and the Privateers. The crews fenced with swords, threw beads and captured spectators, including Kamran Wadud, during the Nov. 2 skirmish, all part of the Nov.1-3 Privateer Invasion Festival.

Despite stormy seas, wind and a quick downpour of rain Nov. 2, the Pirate Invasion festival grounds at Coquina Beach filled up quickly with festivalgoers as pirate ships taking part in a skirmish arrived at their destination. Food, live music, beverages and arts and crafts were among the attractions at the AMI Privateers weekend event.